Los Angeles Angels: Ben Zobrist seems destined to be an Angel

The primary thing that the Los Angeles Angels should look to add this winter is pitching, however, they could also use a veteran utility infielder.

The starting rotation is the area that could use the most work on the Los Angeles Angels this winter. The Angels’ starting rotation finished with the second-worst ERA in the MLB, only in front of the Colorado Rockies, who have an obvious built-in excuse.

While the biggest signings this winter will certainly be in the starting rotation, the Angels still have areas that can be addressed elsewhere. The team may look to add outfield depth after losing Kole Calhoun, could look for a catcher is the fit is right and could use a right-handed veteran infielder, particular at the corners.

Right now, it appears as if Matt Thaiss and Jared Walsh will be seeing a lot of time at third and first base if nothing changes. Zack Cozart may see time at third base as well when he is healthy, but he has been so bad in Anaheim that I would not expect anything.

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Albert Pujols may play first when Shohei Ohtani is the designated hitter, however, Ohtani will likely DH mostly against right-handed pitching, which then opens the door for a left-hander like Walsh or Thaiss to start.

The Angels don’t need the biggest name and they certainly do not need to break the bank, which makes someone such as Ben Zobrist so perfect to pursue.

The switch-hitting veteran infielder only played in 47 games last season but he did show some promising signs, particularly in September. Zobrist hit .284 in September.

Zobrist can play all over the place, which makes him even more valuable, but on the Angels he would be playing primarily first and third base. Although he would not be an everyday starter at any particular position, he would be in the lineup on a constant basis as he would provide various guys with off-days.

The best part about Zobrist is that he presents little to no risk. He is entering his age 39 season so he is not going to get anything more than a one-year deal and I highly doubt that deal is worth anything more than $7.5 million.

This gives the Angels the depth the team needs in the infield without breaking the bank, allowing them to go after the big name of the offseason, Gerrit Cole.

Plus, the elephant in the room is his connection to new manager Joe Maddon. Zobrist played for Maddon in Chicago from 2016 to 2019 and played for Maddon in Tampa Bay from 2006-2014.

Angel fans might be sick of one-year veteran signings that don’t pan out. As long as this is not the only thing the Los Angeles Angels do, like last winter, then this is a great signing for the Halos to make.